Cypher Seer

This traditional metal band was formed in 2003 and for several
years went by the name Malakis Reign, until legal issues
forced a change to Cypher Seer in early 2007.
Soon afterward they released their debut album,
Awakening Day.
This is 80's-inspired American traditional power metal
through and through, and while there's no real flaws or
weak points here, the album has a by-the-numbers feel
to it, lacking a memorable identity or style.
From the vocals (provided by well-travelled veteran
Michael Grant) to the riffs to the songwriting, it's all
fine without really generating that something-special feeling.
There will always be a market for bands that harken back
to the glory days of 80's traditional metal, and Cypher Seer
fills that need, but as far as upper-echelon traditional bands
are concerned, they aren't there quite yet.